Design and Build Quality

The Plum Axe LTE, released in December 2015, is a compact smartphone that embodies simplicity and functionality. Its dimensions are 128.8 x 58.2 x 8.9 mm, and it weighs a mere 124 g, making it lightweight and comfortable to hold. The phone features a sleek design with a modest screen-to-body ratio of approximately 58.8%, reflecting its compact 4.0-inch IPS LCD display. Designed with practicality in mind, it offers a Dual SIM capacity, allowing users to effortlessly switch between two numbers—a feature that was beneficial for both personal and professional uses during its time.

Display

The device is equipped with a 4.0-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 480 x 854 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 245 ppi. While modest by current standards, this resolution was sufficient for the basic multimedia needs of the period, such as viewing photos and videos or browsing the web. The IPS technology ensured better viewing angles and color reproduction compared to traditional LCD screens, which was a noteworthy feature for budget phones of its generation.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Plum Axe LTE is powered by a MediaTek MT6580 chipset, built on a 28 nm process, alongside a Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU, and a Mali-400MP2 GPU. The phone comes with 1GB of RAM, which at the time of its release, was adequate for handling basic tasks such as messaging, browsing, and running simple apps. However, heavy multitasking or running more demanding applications could slow the performance. Plum Axe LTE runs on Android 5.1 (Lollipop), which was contemporary in 2015, offering users features such as improved interface aesthetics and better battery management compared to its predecessors.

Storage

The Plum Axe LTE offers 8GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via a microSDHC card, providing the flexibility to store additional photos, videos, and applications. This storage setup was typical for smartphones in its class at the time, satisfying the basic storage needs of average users.

Camera Capabilities

Camera capabilities on this device include a single 5 MP rear camera with autofocus and LED flash, allowing users to capture photos in various lighting conditions. The rear camera can also record video at 720p@30fps, which was standard for many smartphones during its era. On the front, there is a 1.3 MP selfie camera suitable for video calls and basic selfies, though it lacks advanced features found in modern smartphones.

Battery Life

The phone is powered by a 1600 mAh removable Li-Po battery. While this capacity might seem low today, it was sufficient for maintaining device functionality throughout a day of moderate use. The battery could provide up to 19 hours of talk time on 3G networks and up to 830 hours on standby, showcasing its efficiency for communication purposes.

Network and Connectivity

The Plum Axe LTE supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks, including several bands for both 3G and 4G connectivity, ensuring users could access high-speed internet in various regions. For local connectivity, the device supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and could serve as a mobile hotspot, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP for peripherals, and GPS for navigation. It also includes a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer. Unfortunately, it does not support NFC, a limitation for users seeking contactless payment options, which were starting to become popular at the time.

Audio and Other Features

The audio experience on the Plum Axe LTE is mediated through its loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, which was a staple feature that allowed users to connect earphones and external audio devices easily. Additional features include FM radio, which was a desirable attribute for users who enjoyed listening to radio on-the-go. As for sensors, the device comes equipped with an accelerometer and gyro, useful for orientation and motion-detecting applications.

Color Options and Release Details

The phone was offered in classic color options of Black and White, appealing to users favoring traditional aesthetics. Despite its practical feature set, the Plum Axe LTE was discontinued after its market release, highlighting the competitive nature of the smartphone industry where rapid technological advancements often lead to shorter cycles in product lifespans.

Conclusion

Overall, the Plum Axe LTE was a representation of a straightforward, functional smartphone suitable for basic users. While it didn't boast cutting-edge technology, its simplicity and practicality were typical of entry-level devices during its release period. The phone served its purpose for users needing essential smartphone features without the complexities or costs associated with high-end devices. Despite its eventual discontinuation, the Plum Axe LTE remains a part of the evolving story of mobile technology, reflecting trends and user needs from its era.